Tustin Unified School District has been involved with Beckman@Science since the program's inception in 1998. Since adopting the program, Tustin's 367 elementary science teachers have been heavily involved in kit training in an effort to provide students with hands-on, inquiry- based science education. This effort has directly affected science instruction for 10,289 Tustin students during the 2009-2010 school year. Prior to Beckman@Science, Tustin Unified elementary teachers predominately taught science from grade level textbooks with very little hands-on experimentation. Currently, over 75% of TUSD elementary teachers have been trained in Beckman science kits. Using Beckman@Science as the core science program has shown significant growth in proficient and advanced 5th Grade CST science achievement for TUSD students over the past 5 years.

Tustin Unified 5th Grade Science CST Scores

**2010 CST was not available when this report was completed.

Since the inception of this program, TUSD has implemented a centralized Science Materials Center and hired a full-time employee to assist in the kit refurbishment process. All kits are delivered using a rotation schedule three times per year (earth, physical, and life).

Middle school sci1461ence personnel have commented on an improvement in students' familiarity with the scientific process, science notebooking, and interest in science courses. Better prepared and more motivated middle school students indicate the effectiveness of our elementary science program.

Tustin has made a commitment to sustaining hands-on, inquiry based instruction by developing pacing guides to integrate the Beckman@Science program with the adopted Houghton Mifflin program. Using both programs help to maximize student achievement in all science content areas. Tustin Unified continues to support the Beckman grant by matching funds for personnel costs, professional development, and refurbishment materials.

In the NEAR future, Tustin@Science is looking to partner with community members and businesses to ensure continued success in the Beckman@Science program. Currently, a strong partnership has been formed to help provide funding for science kits and refurbishment materials through the Tustin Public Schools Foundation.

For further information regarding TUSD’s involvement with the Beckman@Science program, please contact Tustin Unified School District’s Educational Services Department (714) 730-7301.